Dispenser

ABSTRACT

An inline dispersal valve that can be used with or without a base. One embodiment includes a rotatable member that is rotatable from a fluid stream obstructing condition to an out-of-the-way condition to prevent fluid diversion into the dispersal valve. Another embodiment includes a lever handle for quickly setting the amount of fluid being diverted into the inline dispersal valve. Another embodiment includes an indicator that can be viewed from a position above the inline dispersal valve. Another embodiment includes a cap that can be secured or removed without the aid of tools. Another embodiment includes a clip that allows one to disassemble the inline dispersal valve for servicing. Another embodiment includes a dispensing valve that can be reversed and still properly divert fluid into a dispersant chamber. Another embodiment includes an inline dispersal valve with a bleed valve positioned to allow one to bring the air volume in the dispersant chamber to the proper level.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of application Ser. No.13/999,727 filed Mar. 18, 2014 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,493,276), which is adivisional application of application ser. No. 13/815,231 filed on Feb.12, 2013 titled DISPENSERS (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,757,188), which is adivisional application of application Ser. No. 12/584,554 filed on Sep.8, 2009 titled DISPENSERS (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,464,743), which is adivisional application of Ser. No. 11/128,124 filed on May 12, 2005titled DISPENSERS (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,604,018).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The inventions described herein relate generally to dispersal valvesand, more specifically, to inline dispersal valves with one or morefeatures that can enhance the inline dispersal valve.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

None

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to dispersal valves for controllablydispensing materials into a fluid. One such application is in dispensingmaterials into a body of water to bring the water to the propercondition. For example, one might want to dispense material into thebody of water so that the water is fit for consumption or one might wantto dispense material into a body of water such as found in swimmingpools, hot tubs, spas, jetted bath tubs and the like so that the wateris fit for recreational use. In still other applications one might wantto add dispersants to control the content of the industrial fluids.Generally the inline dispersal valve includes a selector or controlvalve so that the amount of the fluid flowing through a dispersantchamber in the dispersal valve can be changed in accordance with theneeds of the system.

Inline dispersal valves, which are known in the art, generally direct amain stream through the valve and then remove a portion of a streamwhich is directed through a dispersant chamber in the dispersal valveand then returned with the dispersant therein to the main stream so thatthe dispersant can be carried into a body of fluid with the main stream.As the inline dispersal valves require periodic replenishment of thedispersant and the dispersal valve covers are tightly sealed to preventleakage such valves generally require special tools to remove thedispersal valve cover so one can insert fresh dispersant into adispensing chamber in the dispersal valve. One embodiment of theinvention eliminates the need for special tools to open or close thevalve.

In general, inline dispersal valves have a limited operating range sincethe ability to control the diverted fluid i.e. the amount of fluidflowing through the dispersant chamber changes as the volume of the mainfluid flowing through the dispersal valve changes. As a result one mighthave to use two or more dispersal valves to obtain a proper dispersalrate in a larger system. One embodiment of the invention allows one toproperly dispense materials over a wide range of flow conditions thusminimizing the need for multiple inline dispersal valves.

A further difficulty with prior art dispersal valves is that it isdifficult to prevent fluid from flowing through the dispersant chamberwithout completely shutting off the main flow of fluid through thedispersal valve. Consequently, dispersant continues to be dispensed eventhough the control member on the dispersal valve has been shut off. Oneembodiment of the invention allows one to substantially shut off theflow rate through the dispersant chamber even though fluid continues toflow through the main line of the valve.

Inline dispersal valves generally have some type of rotatable controlmember that a user rotates to direct the proper amount of fluid throughthe dispersal chamber in the valve. In general the rotatable membershave an inherent frictional resistance to rotation so that the controlmember remains at the selected setting under flow conditions. Thisinherent frictional resistance can make it difficult for a user toadjust the setting of the dispersal valve. One embodiment of theinvention allows one to quickly and easily set the rotatable controlmember to the proper setting though a lever handle that can alsofunction as indicator of the flow condition through the dispersal valve.

One of the difficulties with inline dispersal valve is the initialadjustment of the volume of air within the dispensing chamber so thatthe correct amount of dispersant is in contact with the dispersant inthe chamber. One embodiment of the invention allows one to quickly setthe air volume in the dispersant chamber through a bleed valve, which ispositioned so that the proper amount of air is in the dispersant chamberduring operation of the dispersal valve.

An advantage of the present invention is that the dispersal valve can beused with or without a base. Thus if a system requires a base mount thedispersal valve can be mounted to the system with a base. However, ifthe dispersal valve is to be part of a system where a base is notrequired the base can be left off the valve without having an effect onthe function of the dispersal valve.

In general dispersal valves tend to be one directional in that todispense a material the dispersal valve includes a main inlet and a mainoutlet with the fluid entering the inlet and being discharged throughthe main outlet. Consequently, if the dispersal valve is installedbackwards the flow through the dispensing chamber in the dispensingvalve is improper. In one embodiment the invention provides abi-direction flow dispersal valve that allows one to properly dispense adispersant regardless of the direction of main flow through thedispersal valve. This feature allows one to use one dispersal valve fordifferent types of installations. That is, a system having pipes locatedagainst a wall would require that the dispersal valve control valve faceoutward so a user has access to the control valve. However, if the flowdirection in the pipes is such that the control member would face thewall when the flow direction through the dispersal valve is matched withthe flow direction in the pipe system one would need to change the pipesystem or use a different valve. In the present invention the dispersalvalve can be rotated 180 degrees to accommodate the flow direction ofthe pipe system thus allowing the control member not to face the wallthereby providing a control member that is accessible to the user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

U.S. Pat. No. 4,249,562 shows an apparatus for dispersing material intoa fluid stream with the apparatus having a housing with a bottom sectionthat attaches to a pipeline and a top section having a recess for aporous container to support a solid fluid soluble material.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,270,565 shows an apparatus for controllably dispersingmaterials into a fluid stream with the apparatus having a housing with abottom section that attaches to a pipeline and a top section having arecess for a porous container to support a solid fluid soluble material.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,174 shows an apparatus for controllably dispersingmaterial into a fluid stream with the apparatus having a housing with abottom section having a cylindrical sleeve with a porous containertherein to support a solid fluid soluble material.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,387 shows an inline dispersal valve for metering theamount of material that is dispersed into a fluid stream, the inlinedispersal valve comprising a chamber for a removable canister forholding materials to be dispersed into a fluid stream, a cover forenclosing the chamber, and a rotatable member having openings forcontrolling, restricting, and directing fluids away from a fluid streamand through the chamber.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,315 shows a dispersal valve and canister with thedispersal valve resiliently supporting a loaded canister in thedispersal valve.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,218,983 shows a dispersal valve and canister with thedispersal valve resiliently supporting a loaded canister in thedispersal valve.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,547 shows improved water treatment minerals and acanister having a divider platform for use in a dispersal valve toenable a fluid mixing stream to be bifurcated and simultaneously butseparately treat the water flowing therethrough with the water treatmentcomposition containing bacteria killing chemicals and bacteria killingminerals.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,425 shows a pool apparatus that simultaneouslyremoves debris tom the water and purifies water in a portion of thewater passing through the pool apparatus with the pool apparatus havingan intake head for drawing water and debris from a first region of thepool and directing the water and debris to a housing having a restrictortherein for directing a portion of the water through a waterpurification material and the remaining portion with the debris thereinalong an unimpeded path in the housing to a collector where the debrisis collected and the water is returned to the pool.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,544,415 shows containers for used in dispersal with thecontainers enabling a fluid-mixing stream to separately and controllablydisperse two different water treatment materials into a water treatmentsystem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the inventions include an inline dispersal valve thatcan be used with or without a base. One embodiment includes a rotatablemember that is rotatable from a fluid stream obstructing condition to anout-of-the way condition to prevent fluid from being diverted into thedispersal valve. Another embodiment includes a lever handle for quicklysetting the amount of fluid being diverted into the inline dispersalvalve. Another embodiment includes an indicator that can be viewed froma position above the inline dispersal valve. Another embodiment includesa cap that can be secured or removed without the aid of tools. Anotherembodiment includes a clip that allows one to disassemble the inlinedispersal valve for servicing. Another embodiment includes a dispensingvalve that can be reversed and still properly divert fluid into adispersant chamber. Another embodiment includes an inline dispersalvalve with a bleed valve positioned to allow one to bring the air volumein the dispersant chamber to the proper level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of an inline dispersal valve;

FIG. 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the inline dispersalvalve of FIG. 1 having a dispersant supported therein;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a rotatable member;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the rotatable member of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows an alternative side view of the rotatable member of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a lever arm handle;

FIG. 7 shows a front view the inline dispersal valve in an opencondition;

FIG. 8 shows an end view of the inline dispersal valve of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of inline dispersal valve ofFIG. 7 in use in the open condition;

FIG. 10 shows a front view of the inline dispersal valve of FIG. 7 in aclosed condition;

FIG. 11 shows an end view of the inline dispersal valve of FIG. 10 inthe closed condition;

FIG. 12 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the inline dispersalvalve of FIG. 10 in use in the closed condition;

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a dispersal valve housing cover;

FIG. 14 shows a bottom view of the dispersal valve housing cover of FIG.13;

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the cap of the dispersal valvehousing cover of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15A shows a cross-sectional view of the dispersal valve housingcover of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of an inlinedispersal valve;

FIG. 17 shows a back view of the inline dispersal valve of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 shows a top view of a base of the inline dispersal valve ofFIGS. 16 and 17;

FIG. 19 shows a clip member for lockingly securing a rotatable member toan inline dispenser housing;

FIG. 19A shows a perspective view of the rotatable member and clipmember;

FIG. 20 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an alternativeembodiment of an inline dispersal valve supporting a dispersant holdingcanister therein; and

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the inline dispersalvalve of FIG. 20 supporting a removable canister containing a dispersanttherein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an inline dispersal valve 10 having a housing 11.Housing 11 includes a chamber 14 located within housing 11, the chamber14 functioning for supporting a dispersant 15 therein. It is noted thatthe dispersant 15 can comprise a plurality of dispensable materialsincluding but not limited to fluid conditioning materials and fluidpurification materials. It is noted that the inline dispersal valve 10also includes a cover 13 for enclosing the chamber 14 of the housing 11.

The inline dispersal valve housing 11 further includes a fluid conduit16 to allow for the flow of a fluid stream therethrough, a portion ofthe fluid stream of which is directed through the chamber 14 via a fluidport 39 (shown in FIG. 9) when the fluid port 39 is in an opencondition. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the inline dispersalvalve housing 11 is shown as including a receptacle and morespecifically a cylindrical shape housing 17 for receiving a rotatablemember 18 therein, the rotatable member 18 functioning to rotatably openand close fluid port 39. A feature of inline dispersal valve 10, asshown in FIG. 2, is that the fluid conduit 16 and the cylindricalreceptacle 17 are position within the housing 11 of the inline dispersalvalve 10 so as to at least partially intersect each other.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, FIG. 3 shows a perspective view, FIG. 4shows a side view and FIG. 5 shows an alternative side view of arotatable member 18 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, rotatable member 18 comprises a bodyhaving a cylindrical surface 19 mateable with a receptacle of a housingof an inline dispersal valve similar to the cylindrical receptacle 17 ofhousing 11, and more specifically with a surface (not shown) of thereceptacle of the inline dispersal valve housing for forming rotationalengagement with a chamber of the inline dispersal valve housing.Rotatable member 18, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, includes a fluiddeflecting surface 20. It is noted that similar to the rotatable member18 of FIGS. 1 and 2, a feature of the rotatable member 18 is that therotatable member 18 has an axis of rotation extending transverse to aflow direction through a conduit of the inline dispersal valve housing.The aforementioned enables at least a portion of the fluid deflectingsurface 20 of rotatable member 18 to be rotatingly displaceable into alumen in fluid conduit 16 so as to extend at least partially transverseto the flow direction of the fluid stream moving through fluid conduit16 thereby enabling fluid deflecting surface 20 to obstruct the lumenand divert at least a portion of a fluid flowing in the fluid conduit 16to flow through chamber 14 before returning back to fluid conduit 16.The fluid diverted through the chamber 14 facilitates the dispensing ofthe dispersant 15 supported in chamber 14.

It is noted that a feature of the rotatable member 18 is that the fluiddeflecting surface 20 of rotatable member 18 is displaceable out of thelumen in the fluid conduit 16 to thereby form a portion of the fluidconduit 16 to direct fluid through the fluid conduit 16 withoutdiverting fluid into the chamber of the inline dispenser housing,thereby inducing or creating a no flow condition through the chamber.

Note that a feature of the fluid deflecting surface 20 of rotatablemember 18 is that fluid deflecting surface 20 also comprises a shapethat forms a portion of the fluid conduit of the inline dispersal valvewhen the fluid deflecting surface 20 is displaced out of the lumen inthe conduit. For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 5,the fluid deflecting surface 20 of rotatable member 18 can comprise ashape having a radius of curvature substantially the same as a radius ofcurvature of the fluid conduit of the inline dispersal valve housingsuch as the inline dispersal valve 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 to therebyestablish an uninhibited flow condition therethrough when the fluiddeflecting surface 20 is displaced out of the lumen to prevent thediversion of fluids from the fluid stream into the chamber of thehousing to thereby create or create a no flow condition through thechamber.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, rotatable member 18 includes a guard orridges 21 surrounding the fluid deflecting surface 20, guard 21functioning to restrict and confine the movement of the fluids directedinto the chamber from the fluid stream to the fluid port of the chamberwhen fluid deflecting surface 20 is extended transverse to the flowdirection of conduit as well as to provide a bearing surface againstreceptacle housing 17.

The rotatable member 18 as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5also includes at least one channel located on the cylindrical surface 19of the rotatable member 18 for providing proportional and uniformdisplacement of the fluids and dispersant exiting the chamber into thefluid conduit when fluid deflecting surface 20 is displaced within thelumen transverse to the flow direction of the fluids flowing through theconduit. Providing for proportional and uniform displacement of thefluids and dispersant exiting the chamber of the line dispersal valvehousing enables the dispersant that is carried out of the chamber by thefluids exiting the chamber to be controllably and broadly distributedinto the fluid stream. In FIGS. 4 and 5, rotatable member 18 is shown ashaving multiple channels comprising a first V-shaped channel 22 and asecond elongated channel 23 located on the cylindrical surface 19 ofrotatable member 18, channels 22 and 23 providing proportional anduniform displacement of fluids and dispersant exiting the chamber of theinline dispersal valve housing into the fluid stream when fluiddeflecting surface 20 is displaced within the lumen of the fluid conduittransverse to the flow direction of the fluids flowing through the fluidconduit.

The rotatable member 18 also includes a barrier 24 located on thecylindrical surface 19 of the rotatable plug, barrier 24 functioning toblock fluids and/or dispersant from exiting the chamber of the inlinedispersal valve into the fluid conduit via an outlet of chamber (notshown) when the fluid deflecting surface 20 of the rotatable member 18is displaced out of the lumen of the fluid conduit. Rotatable member 18further includes a set of circumferential slots 25 and 26 locatedproximal the ends of the rotatable member 18, the circumferential slots25 and 26 for receiving a set of circumferential seals therein toprovide for a leakage-proof seal when rotatable member 18 is receivedwithin cylindrical receptacle of the inline dispersal valve housing.

Referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment ofa lever arm handle 27 extending radially outward from a portion of acircumferential housing 29 that engages rotatable member 18 tofacilitate ease in rotating the circumferential housing 29 and rotatablemember 18. As shown in FIG. 6, a feature of the lever arm handle 27 isthat lever arm handle 27 extends in a tangential direction on one sideof the lever arm handle 27 so a force for moving circumferential housing29 in a direction to close a fluid port of a chamber of an inlinedispenser valve housing and also to move a fluid deflecting surface 20of the rotatable member 18 out of a flow diverting condition requires acircumferential force on the lever arm handle 27. Conversely, a forcefor moving the circumferential housing 29 in an opposite direction toopen the fluid port of the chamber of the inline dispenser valve housingand also to move the fluid deflecting surface 20 of the rotatable member18 into a flow diverting condition requires both a radial force and acircumferential force on the lever arm handle 27.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, lever arm handle 27 is shown as also havinga finger grasping region 28 with finger grasping region 28 comprising ashape that conforms to the natural curvature of the user's hand to helpenhance the user's grip of lever arm handle 27.

In further regards to FIG. 6, note that FIG. 6 also showscircumferential housing 29 as having a fluid port indicator 30 forenabling a user to meter the dispensing of the inline dispenser valve byviewing and selecting a fluid port setting from a position above theinline dispersal valve housing through the rotation of thecircumferential housing 29 via the lever arm handle 27.

In regards to the fluid port indicator 30, in the embodiment of FIG. 6the fluid port indicator 30 is shown as comprising a semi-circularnumber plate 31, which is affixed to valve 10 and positioned within aninterior surface of circumferential housing 29. Number plate 31, asshown in the embodiment of FIG. 6, contains a set of dial numbers 32thereon with each number in the set of dial numbers 32 on the numberplate 31 corresponding to a specific size of the opening of the fluidport of the chamber of the inline dispersal valve housing as well as aspecific position of deflecting surface 20. The numbers in the set ofdial numbers 32 are each separately viewable through a window 33 incircumferential housing 29. By rotating the circumferential housing 29in a clock-wise or counter clock-wise direction it allows the user toadjust the flow of fluids through the chamber of the inline dispersalvalve to a desired level by controlling the size of the fluid port aswell as the position of the deflecting surface 20. In further regards tothe set of dial numbers 32, it is noted that the set of dial numbers 32can be placed on number plate 31 through a variety of methods includingbut not limited to being stamped on, molded on and imprinted on numberplate 31 so as to be readily visible to a viewer who may be at an arm'slength from the lever handle 27.

In further regards to the fluid port indicator 30 of FIG. 6, it is notedthat the window 33 of the fluid port indicator 30 further includes amarker 34 located thereon to further increase the precision of thesettings.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, FIG. 7 shows a front view and FIG. 8shows an end view of the inline dispersal valve 10 of Figures land 2 inan open condition. FIG. 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of inlinedispersal valve 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in use in the open condition.

As shown in FIG. 9, when inline dispersal valve 10 is in use in the opencondition, rotatable member 18 is positioned within cylindricalreceptacle 17 in a condition in which at least a portion of a fluiddeflecting surface 32 of the rotatable member 18 is displaced in a lumen36 of the fluid conduit 16 of the inline dispersal valve 10 andextending transverse to the direction of the fluid flow of conduit 16.

The aforementioned results in the at least partial obstruction of afluid stream 37 flowing through conduit 16. The at least partialobstruction of the fluid stream 37 by the fluid deflecting surface 20result in the diversion of at least a portion of the fluids 38 from thefluid stream 37 into chamber 14 via fluid port 39. As the fluids 38enters chamber 14 the fluids 38 comes into contact with the dispersants15 supported within chamber 14 during which a portion of the dispersants15 are dispensed into the fluids 38.

It is noted that as inline dispersal valve 10 is maintained in the opencondition during use, the fluid deflecting surface 20 continues todirect fluids 38 into chamber 14. The continuous flow of fluids 38 intochamber 14 eventually forces the fluid 38 lingering in chamber 14 alongwith the dispersants 15 out of the chamber 14 via a chamber outlet (notshown) and back into fluid conduit 16. As the fluid 38 and thedispersants 15 exit the chamber outlet (not shown), fluid 38 and thedispersants 15 are then proportionally and uniformly displaced intofluid conduit 16 by at least one channel 40 located on the surface ofrotatable member 18, channel 40 similar to the channels 21 and 22 of therotatable member 18 of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.

In further regards to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10, note that FIGS. 7, 8, 9,and 10 also show lever handle 27 comprising a pointer to indicate arotational position of the fluid deflecting surface 20. Morespecifically, FIG. 7 shows that when the fluid deflecting surface 20 isat least partially located in the lumen 36 of the fluid conduit 16, thelever handle 27 is shown positioned midway between conduit 16 orpointing at a perpendicular angle to the direction of the fluid conduit16. FIG. 10 shows that when the fluid deflecting surface 20 is displacedfrom the lumen 36 of the fluid conduit 16, the lever handle 27 is shownpositioned towards an end of conduit 16 or pointing at a slanted angleto the direction of the fluid conduit 16.

Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, FIG. 10 shows a front view and FIG.11 shows an end view of the inline dispersal valve 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2in a closed condition. FIG. 12 shows a partial cross-sectional view ofinline dispersal valve 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in use in the closedcondition.

Referring to the fluid deflecting surface 20 of rotatable member 18, itis noted that in the closed condition the fluid deflecting surface 20has a radius of curvature substantially the same as a radius ofcurvature of the conduit 16 when the inline dispersal valve 10 of thepresent invention is in use in the closed condition. Due to theaforementioned, when the inline dispersal valve 10 is in use in theclosed condition, the rotatable member 18 is positioned within thecylindrical receptacle 17 in a condition in which the fluid deflectingsurface 20 of the rotatable member 18 is displaced out of the lumen 36of the fluid conduit 16 with fluid deflecting surface 20 forming aportion of the fluid conduit 16 to direct fluid stream 37 through fluidconduit 16 without diverting a portion of the fluid stream 37 into thechamber 14 of the inline dispersal valve housing 11. The aforementionedserves the dual purpose of blocking off the fluid port 39 with thecylindrical surface 18 of rotatable member 18 while also clearing fluidconduit 16 of obstruction by the fluid deflecting surface 20 to preventpotential diversion of fluids from fluid stream 37 into chamber 14 tothereby create a no flow condition through the chamber 14. Since fluidscannot enter or exit the chamber 14 when inline dispersal valve 10 is inthe closed condition, the aforementioned thus prevents the dispensing ofdispersants 15 supported within chamber 14 into fluid conduit 16.

In further regards to FIGS. 9 and 12, it is noted that although FIGS. 9and 12 show fluid port 30 as comprising one size, alternativeembodiments of the dispersal valve housing can include a fluid portcomprising of variable sizes.

Referring to FIGS. 13, 14, and 15A, FIG. 13 shows a top perspectiveview, FIG. 14 shows a bottom perspective view, and FIG. 15A shows across-sectional view of an embodiment of a dispersal valve housing cover40. The cover, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 comprises three components,namely a cap 41, a cover housing 42, and a capretention ring 43.

FIG. 15 further shows a perspective view of the cap 41 of dispersalvalve housing cover 40. The cap 41 as shown in FIG. 15 includes a seatregion 44 extending from the cap 41 engaging the top of dispenserhousing 11. The cover housing 42, as shown in FIG. 14, includes aninterior surface 45 having female threads 46 located thereon forengagement with male threads on dispenser housing 11 (not shown) locatedproximal an open end of an inline dispersal valve housing. A sealingring 49 is located in the seat region 44 to form a seal between thecover housing 42 and the dispenser housing 11.

When the cover housing 42 is supported on the seat region 44 of the cap41, the cover housing 42 is axially restrained to the cap 41 but freelyrotatable with respect to the cap 41. In the embodiment of the dispersalvalve housing cover 40 of FIG. 13, the cover housing 42 is shown asincluding cap retention ring 43 removably securable to the exteriorsurface of the cap 41 through the engagement of a set of flexibleflanges 47 located thereon with a set of receiving sites 48 located onthe exterior surface of the cap 41 (more clearly shown in FIG. 15) foraxially restraining the cover housing 42 to the cap 41 while stillallowing for the free rotation of the cover housing 42 with respect tothe cap 41.

In use, when the dispersal valve housing cover 40 is placed on an openend of the dispersal valve housing with the female threads 46 of thecover housing 42 engaging the male threads (not shown) of the dispersalvalve housing, rotation of the cover housing 42 in a first directionresults in the movement of a portion of the cap 41 into a locking fluidtight engagement with the open end of an inline dispersal valve housingto provide for fluid tight enclosure of the chamber of the dispersalvalve housing. The rotation of the cover housing 42 in an oppositedirection, conversely, results in the rotationally unlocking of thedispersal valve housing cover 40 from the dispersal valve housing andeventual removal of the cap 41 from the dispenser valve housing toprovide the user access to the chamber of the dispersal valve housing.

Referring to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15A, in order to enhance the fluid tightseal between the dispersal valve housing cover 40 and the open end ofthe dispersal valve housing, the portion of the cap 41 that is movedinto fluid tight engagement with the open end of the inline dispersalvalve housing is further provides with a compressible resilient sealingring supported on the underside of seat region 44.

Referring back to FIGS. 13, 14, and 15A, note that the cover housing 42of dispersal valve housing cover 40 also includes a set of four radialprotruding handles 50 circumferentially spaced on cover housing 42 andextending therefrom to enable the user to bring the cap 41 into and outof engagement with the open end of the dispersal valve housing throughrotation of the cover housing 42. Each of the radial protruding handles50 are located on a diameter extending through an axis of rotation ofthe cover housing 42. By having handles positioned opposite each otherone can provide a balanced rotational force to cover housing 42. It isnoted that in the present embodiment, the removal force region, that isthe region on the radial protruding handles 50 for receiving a force toremove the cap 41 from the dispersal valve housing is also locatedradially outward from the cover housing 42 to provide leverage to theuser.

Although each of the radial protruding handles 50 of the dispersal valvehousing cover 40 can be separately secured to the cover housing 42, inthe embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, the radial protruding handles 50 areeach shown integrally formed to the cover housing 42. It is furthernoted that in the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, the radial protrudinghandles 50 of the dispersal valve housing cover 40 are shown as eachhaving a hollow interior 51. The radial protruding handles 50 of thedispersal valve housing cover 40 are also shown as each comprising anergonomic handle having a shape that conforms to the natural curvatureof the user's hand in order to improve user conform while furtherenhancing the user's ability to grip the handles 50.

In further regards to the radial protruding handles 50 of dispersalvalve housing cover 40, it is noted that although the number of handlescan vary in alternative embodiments of the housing, the presentembodiment shows the cover housing 42 as having four radial protrudinghandles 50 extending therefrom along a major diameter of housing 42 toenable a user to rotate the cap 41 into and out of engagement with adispenser housing by rotation of the cover housing 42.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, FIG. 16 shows a front view and FIG. 17shows a back view of an alternative embodiment of inline dispersalvalve. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, inline dispersal valve 52 is similarto the inline dispersal valve 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. However, unlikeinline dispersal valve 10, inline dispersal valve includes a moldedone-piece cover 53 for enclosing the interior of a housing 54 of theinline dispersal valve 52.

Inline dispersal valve 55 also includes a drain valve 56 (shown in FIG.16) and a bleed valve 57 (shown in FIG. 17) for resolving dispersalissues. For example, during use of prior art inline dispersal valve, anair pocket may be present in the housing 54. If the air pocket in thechamber in housing 54 is too large it hinders the dispensing of thedispersant supported within the chamber by preventing the fluidsdirected into the chamber from coming into contact with the dispersantlocated in the air pocket. Bleed valve 57 functions to alleviate theaforementioned problem by purging the trapped air pocket out from thechamber of the inline dispersal valve housing 52 to allow fluidsdirected in the chamber of inline dispersal valve housing 52 to comeinto contact with a majority of the dispersant supported therein. Theelevation of bleed valve 57 is such that the air in the housing can bebled until the fluid level reaches the bleed valve 57. At this point thebleed valve 57 is closed leaving an air pocket above the level of thebleed valve 57.

Referring to FIG. 18, FIG. 18 shows a top view of a base 58 of theinline dispersal valve 52 of FIGS. 16 and 17 for removably supportingthe inline dispersal valve housing 54 thereon. The base 58 of FIG. 18 isshown having fastening regions 59 thereon for the securement of theinline dispersal valve housing 54 thereon via fasteners such as but notlimited to bolts and screws. The base 58 of FIG. 18 also includes a setof ears 60 located thereon for providing additional support andstability for the inline dispersal valve housing 54. It is noted that afeature of the base 52 is that unlike the inline dispersal valve housing54 which comprises a material having sufficient rigidity to handle thepressure requirements of the fluids and the fluid and dispersantmixtures therein, the base 52 of the inline dispersal valve 52 cancomprise a material having less rigidity than the inline dispersal valvehousing 54 to provide an enhance shock resistance support for thedispersal valve.

Referring to FIG. 19, FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a clip member 61for lockingly securing a rotatable member such as a rotatable member 68of FIGS. 16 and 17 to an inline dispenser housing. The clip member 61comprises a clip body 62 having a first end 63 and a second end 64. Theclip member 61 includes a clip head 65 located at the second end 63 ofthe clip body 62 and a resilient flange 66 branching from the clip body62 and having a free end 67 extending in a direction towards the cliphead 65. The clip head 65 includes a clip head surface 68 conforming tothe shape of a surface of the rotatable member that the clip member 61is lockingly engaging the rotatable member 18.

Although the alternative embodiments can comprise a clip member having aresilient flange branching from different locations on the clip body,the embodiment of FIG. 19 shows the resilient flange 66 branching fromproximal the first end 63 of the clip body 62. The free end 67 of theresilient flange 66 is located proximal the clip head 65 with a distance“d” between the free end 67 of the resilient flange 66 and surface 68 ofthe clip head 65 being sufficient to support a portion of a wall 69 ofthe rotatable member 68 (shown in FIG. 17) therein. It is further notedhowever that the distance “d” between the free end 67 of the resilientflange 66 and surface 68 of the clip head 65 should also be sufficientto allow for the first end 63 of the clip body 62 to extend through thesecond slot and lockingly remain thereat.

Referring back to FIG. 17, note that the rotatable member 68 includes afirst slot 70 and a second slot 71 located proximal an end 72 ofrotatable member 68 with the first slot 70 and the second slot 71positioned on the rotatable member 68 in a condition parallel to eachother. The parallel positioning of the slots 70 and 71 enable the clipmember 61 to simultaneously extend through both the first slot 70 andthe second slot 71 of the rotatable member 68.

In use, once rotatable member 68 is assembled to inline dispersal valvehousing 54 the first end 63 of the clip body 62 along with the resilientflange 66 is extended through the first slot 70 of the rotatable member68. The presence of the clip member 61 prevents the displacement ofrotatable member 68 from the dispersal valve housing 54. The clip member61 is lockingly maintained to the slots 70 and 71 of the rotatablemember 68 via the engagement of the free end 67 of the resilient flange66 with a portion of an interior surface of the rotatable member 68,which prevents the clip member 61 from being withdrawn from the slots 70and 71 of the rotatable member 68.

To remove clip member 61 of the present embodiment from the slots 70 and71 of the rotatable member 68, the resilient flange 66 is moved towardsthe clip body 62 to displace the engagement of the free end 67 of theresilient flange 66 with the interior surface of the rotatable member 68after which the clip member 61 can then be removed from the slots 70 and71 of the rotatable member 68.

Referring to FIG. 20, FIG. 20 shows a partial cross-sectional view of analternative embodiment of an inline dispersal valve 73. Inline dispersalvalve 73 comprises similar components as the inline dispersal valve 10of FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 in that inline dispersal valve 73includes a rotatable member 74 having a fluid deflecting surface (notshown) for directing a portion of a fluid stream through a chamber 76 ofa housing 75 of the inline dispersal valve 73. However, unlike inlinedispersal valve 10 which in FIGS. 2, 8, and 10 show chamber 14 as solelysupporting dispersant 15 therein for dispensing into the fluid stream37, inline dispersal valve 73 is shown in FIG. 20 as including the useof a removable canister 77 supported within chamber 76 of a housing 75of inline dispersal valve 73 for supporting a dispersant 78 therein fordispensing into the fluid stream.

More specifically, the chamber 76 of inline dispersal valve 73 is shownas including a chamber inlet 81 for receiving fluids directedtherethrough from the fluid stream and a chamber outlet 82 to provide apath for fluids located in the chamber 76 of the housing 75 to returnback to the fluid stream.

Referring to canister 77, canister 77 includes a canister fluid inletport 79 mateable with the chamber inlet 81 and a canister fluid outletport 80. In the operation of inline dispersal valve 73, a portion of thefluid stream is directed through chamber inlet 81 and into canister 77where the fluids 87 come into contact with the dispersant 78. Theinteraction between the fluids 87 and the dispersant results in aportion of the dispersant being dispensed or dissolve into the fluids 87and is carried out of canister 77 and into the chamber 76 of the inlinedispersal valve housing 75 via the canister fluid outlet port 80. Oncein chamber 76, the fluid containing the dispensed dispersant is thencarried through the chamber outlet 82 into the fluid stream.

Referring to FIG. 21, FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view showinginline dispersal valve 73 supporting a removable canister 83 containinga dispersant 84 within chamber 76 of a housing 75.

Referring to canister 83, canister 83 as shown in FIG. 21 includes acanister fluid inlet port 85 mateable with the chamber inlet 81.However, unlike canister 77, canister 83 also includes a canister outletport 86 mateable with the chamber outlet 82 of housing 75. In theoperation of inline dispersal valve 73, as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 21, a portion of the fluid stream 87 is directed through chamberinlet 81 and directly into canister 83 where the fluids 87 come intocontact with the dispersant 84. The interaction between fluids 87 anddispersant 84 results in a portion of the dispersant 84 being dispensedor dissolved into the fluid 87. The fluids 87 along with the dispenseddispersants is eventually carried out of canister 83 via the canisterfluid outlet port 80 and directly through chamber outlet 82 into thefluid stream.

It is noted that the inline dispersal valve as disclosed above comprisesvarious components all preferably form from a polymer plastic or thelike.

The present application also includes a method of controllablydispensing a dispersant comprising the steps of: (1) moving a fluidstream 37 through a fluid conduit 16 of an inline dispersal valvehousing 11; (2) moving at least a portion of a fluid deflecting surface20 into a lumen 36 of the fluid conduit 16 to divert at least a portion38 of the fluid stream 37 moving through the conduit 16 to flow througha chamber 14 of the inline dispersal valve housing 11 before returningto the conduit 16 to thereby dispense a portion of the dispersant 15supported by the chamber 14 into the conduit 16; and (3) moving theportion of the fluid deflecting surface 20 out of the lumen 36 of thefluid conduit 16 to create a no flow condition through the chamber 14.

The above method can also include the steps of (4) moving a lever handle27 to move the portion of the fluid deflecting surface 20 into or out ofthe lumen 36 of the fluid conduit 16; (5) opening a drain valve 57located on the inline dispersal valve housing 11 to remove air trappedwithin the chamber 14 of the inline dispersal valve housing 11; (6)removing a dispenser cover 40 from the inline dispersal valve housing11, replenishing the chamber 14 of the inline dispersal valve housing 11with dispersant 15, and closing the chamber 14 of the inline dispersalvalve housing 11 with the dispenser cover 40; (7) filling the chamber 14of the inline dispersal valve housing 11 with dispersant 15; and (8)replacing a depleted dispersant supporting canister 83 with a fullycharged dispersant supporting canister 83.

The present application also includes a method for controlling a fluidflow 37 through a dispenser 10 comprising the steps of: (1) directing afluid stream through a fluid conduit 16 of an inline dispersal valvehousing 11; (2) moving a rotatable member 12 in a direction to open afluid port 39 of inline dispersal valve housing 11 to allow for at leasta portion 38 of the fluid stream 37 flowing through the conduit 16 toflow through the fluid port 39 into a chamber 14 of the inline dispersalvalve housing 11 before returning to the fluid conduit 16 to therebydispense a portion of the dispersant 15 supported by the chamber 14 intothe conduit 16; and (3) moving the rotatable member 12 in an oppositedirection to close the fluid port 39 to thereby create a no flowcondition through the chamber 14.

The above method can also include the step of: (4) moving the rotatablemember 12 having a fluid deflecting surface 20 in a direction to openthe fluid port 39 of inline dispersal valve housing 11 whilesimultaneously displacing the fluid deflecting surface 20 into a lumen36 of the conduit 16 of the inline dispersal valve housing 11 to divertat least the portion 38 of the fluid stream 37 flowing through theconduit 16 to flow through a chamber 14 of the housing 11 beforereturning to the conduit 16; (5) moving a rotatable member 12 in theopposite direction to close the fluid port 39 while simultaneouslydisplacing the fluid deflecting surface 20 out of the lumen 36 of theconduit 16 to form a portion of the conduit 16 to direct fluids throughthe conduit 16 without diverting fluid into the chamber 14 of thehousing 11 to thereby create a no flow condition through the chamber 14;(6) moving a lever arm handle 27 extending from the rotatable member 12to facilitate ease in movement of the rotatable member 12 in opening andclosing the fluid port 39; and (7) selecting a fluid port setting from aposition above the housing 11 by moving the rotatable member 12 via thelever arm 27 while viewing fluid port indicator 33 located on a portionof the lever arm 27.

The present application further includes a method of replacing arotatable member 12 of an inline dispersal valve housing 11 comprisingthe steps of: (1) moving a resilient flange 66 of a clip member 61towards a clip body 62 of the clip member 61 to displace the engagementof a free end 67 of the resilient flange 66 with an interior surface ofthe rotatable member 12; (2) withdrawing the clip member 61 from a setof slots 70 and 71 of the rotatable member 12; (3) withdrawing therotatable member 12 from the dispersal valve housing 11; (4) inserting anew rotatable member 12 to the dispersal valve housing 11; (5) extendingthe first end 63 of the clip body 62 along with the resilient flange 66through the slots 70 and 71 of the rotatable member 12; and (6) engagingthe free end 67 of the resilient flange 66 to the interior surface ofthe rotatable member 12 to lockingly maintain the clip member 61 to therotatable member 12.

The present invention can also includes a method of replenishing ininline dispersal valve 10 comprising the steps of: (1) rotating a coverhousing 42 of a dispersal valve cover 40 in a first direction withoutrotating a cap 41 of the dispersal valve cover 40 to unlock thedispersal valve cover 40 from the dispersal valve housing 11; (2)further rotating the cover housing 42 in the first direction to removethe dispersal valve cover 40 from an open end of dispersal valve housing11; (3) placing a dispersant 15 within a chamber 14 of the dispersalvalve housing 11; (4) placing the dispersal valve cover 40 on the openend of the dispersal valve housing 11; and (5) rotating the coverhousing 42 in a second direction to move a portion of the cap 41 into alocking fluid tight engagement with the open end of the dispersal valvehousing 11 to provide for fluid tight enclosure of the chamber 14 of thedispersal valve housing 11.

The above method can also include the steps of (6) placing the dispersalvalve cover 40 on the open end of the dispersal valve housing 11 with afemale threads 46 of the cover housing 42 engaging a male threads of thedispersal valve housing 11; (7) filling the chamber 14 of the inlinedispersal valve housing 11 the dispersant 15; (8) replacing a depleteddispersant supporting canister 83 with a fully charged dispersantsupporting canister 83; and (9) rotating the cover housing 42 in thesecond direction to move the portion of the cap 41 against a sealingring 49 to compress the sealing ring 49 to provide for a fluid tightseal.

We claim:
 1. A dispenser for controlling a fluid flow thereincomprising: a housing, said housing includes a chamber for placement ofa dispersant therein and a fluid conduit in said housing for fluid flowtherethrough; a fluid port of variable size in the housing; a fluid portsize indicator, the fluid port size indicator facing upward so as to bevisible above the housing to enable a user to set the fluid port sizewhile viewing the fluid port size indicator from above the housing; anda fluid deflecting surface located in the housing, the fluid deflectingsurface displaceable into a lumen in the fluid conduit to thereby divertat least a portion of a fluid flowing through the conduit to flowthrough the chamber before returning to the conduit, the fluiddeflecting surface displaceable out of the lumen in the conduit to forma portion of the conduit to direct fluid through the conduit withoutdiverting fluid into the chamber in the inline dispenser to therebygenerate a no flow condition through the chamber, wherein the fluiddeflecting surface includes a barrier for preventing fluids from exitingthe chamber when the fluid deflecting surface is displaceable out of thelumen in the conduit.
 2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the housingincludes a bleed valve located on the housing for removing air trappedwithin the chamber.
 3. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the housingincludes a cover for enclosing the chamber.
 4. The dispenser of claim 3wherein the housing includes a drain valve located proximal the coverfor removing air trapped within the chamber.
 5. The dispenser of claim 1wherein the fluid deflecting surface extends transverse to a flowdirection through the conduit.
 6. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein thefluid deflecting surface has an axis of rotation extending transverse toa flow direction through the conduit.
 7. The dispenser of claim 1wherein a portion of the fluid deflecting surface displaceable in thelumen for directing the portion of the fluid flowing in the conduitthrough the chamber of the housing has a radius of curvaturesubstantially the same as a radius of curvature of the conduit tothereby establish an uninhibited flow condition therethrough when thefluid deflecting surface is displaced out of the lumen.
 8. The dispenserof claim 1 wherein an axis of rotation of the fluid deflecting surfaceis spaced from a central flow axis through the conduit.
 9. The dispenserof claim 1 wherein the fluid deflecting surface includes a set ofcircumferential seals thereon to prevent fluid leakage therepast. 10.The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the fluid deflecting surface includes alever handle for rotating the fluid deflecting surface into or out of aflow diverting condition.
 11. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the fluiddeflecting surface and the housing comprises a polymer plastic.
 12. Thedispenser of claim 1 wherein the fluid deflecting surface includes atleast one fluid channel to direct fluid into the chamber and at leastone fluid channel to direct fluid from the chamber into the conduit. 13.The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the fluid deflecting surface includes aplurality of fluid channels to direct fluid into the chamber and aplurality of fluid channels to direct fluid from the chamber into theconduit.
 14. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the fluid deflectingsurface includes a lever handle with the lever handle comprising pointerto indicate a rotational position of the fluid deflecting surface. 15.The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the fluid deflecting surface comprisesa rotatable member having a fluid deflecting surface displaceable intothe lumen to divert at least a portion of a fluid flowing in the conduitto flow through the chamber before returning to the conduit anddisplaceable out of the lumen in the conduit to form a portion of theconduit to direct fluid through the conduit without diverting fluid intothe chamber in the inline dispenser to thereby create a no flowcondition through the chamber.
 16. The dispenser of claim 15 wherein therotatable member includes a guard located on a cylindrical surface ofthe rotatable member and surrounding the fluid deflecting surface forrestricting and confining the movement of the fluids directed from thefluid stream into the chamber to an inlet of the chamber.